How do you follow up after you apply for a job?

Yes, I always write a thank you note. A lot of people don’t do that and it really can make a great impression.

You should call rather than email, but definitely follow up.

If I apply online I usually like to give it a little while, then call in and thank them and ask for an interview. Lots of people just apply online, but by calling and speaking to them you show more initiative than the rest of the crowd, and improve your chances of getting an interview or job.

As the head of the recruiting deprtment for my comany: please do not call. It depends on the type of applicant tracking system capabilities and Facebook presence. If you’ve applied but never interviewed, assume you didn’t meet the cut. If you’ve interviewed and haven’t heard from anyone in 3–5 days, follow up with the recruiter. Make sure you get the contact information at during the interview.

@TLRobinson Really? I was unemployed for two years and went on lots of “employability” courses to help me find work. I was always told to follow up applications if I didn’t receive a response. Nine times out of ten calling would secure me an interview.

I guess lots of companies have different ways of working but it would be safer to call, don’t you think?

@anon That’s exactly what I thought, and it has worked for me in the past.

@TLRobinson – Thanks for the response, I was hoping to hear a recruiter/hiring managers input here. You say do not call (which I would never do, personally), but how do you feel about a quick email note? “Hello, I just wanted to check on the status of my application from last week.” Or something along those lines.

I am aware that people in HR are among some of the busiest people at a company. It would make sense to leave them be…but is there anything an applicant can do to stand out besides just sending their resume out into space and crossing their fingers? (Besides being the bosses nephew)

@jeffgoldblumsprivatefacilities :) Lovin’ the new Chrsitmas avatar BTW

@anon Thanks! ~ It was a long and arduous process using this program you’ve probably never heard of – Paint.

@Anon- think of it this way, if you’re calling and others have been told to call, when does the recruiter have time to recruit? Emails trigger a reminder response. Calls may go into the black hole.

@halfg- 80–90% of the applicants don’t get a followup because applicants are applying for what they like or think they can do: not what their qualified to do. Apply for what you’ve done; not what you want to do. Update your resume, make it flow and relevant. Good luck!

@halfg Depending on the type of job you’re applying for it would be a good idea speak to the manager and ask about your application. That way you can tell him how much you would like to work there; if there are interview slots available s/he may ask you to come in. Job hunting is quite often just being in the right place at the right time but you need to make that happen.

But as I say, depends on the job role. It’s unlikely to be as successful in a large office as it would be for a store vacancy, for example. Still worth a shot though.

@jeffgoldblumsprivatefacilities You have too much free time ;)

I usually aim to follow up a week after the closing date, or the day after the date stated as the day applicants will be informed.

When it comes to interview I will always follow up within the week. Following up on an interview, even when not successful could lead to another job offer within that organisation (it did for me).

On another note, if you have been informed post-interview that you have not been successful, ring them (if suitable, otherwise email) to ask why. It is common in some major organisations to say no to everybody just to see who wants the job enough to ring up and ask why

With the job market as it is now, employers seem to be annoyed when any contact is made before they have decided to interview. If interviewed, then an immediate thank you letter.

First thing I have done after an interview. As soon as I get home I mail (snail mail) a thank you letter.

Here are some things you can do:

1. Write a thank you note as soon as you get home and mail it ASAP.

2. If the interviewer promised to contact you by a certain day, but s/he did not, then give him/her a call and say that you just wanted to know where they were in the hiring process.

I will offer one caveat. Employers today do not seem as impressed with thank you notes as they once were. If you want to follow up, go for it, but don’t expect that your actions will influence the hiring decision. If you are the person they want for the job, they will call you, whether or not you follow up.

Speaking as a supervisor and manager myself, this is my take on it from “the other side”. Most people will apply on line. What you want to do is to stand out. I would suggest after applying, mail a copy of your resume and cover letter as well. Recently, I received over 500 resumes for a sales admin position. The ones that took the time to actually mail their resume stood out for me and I looked at theirs a little more closely. After a week or so if you have not heard anything, go ahead and send an email or call as a follow up, but don’t be persistent—that gets annoying. If they do call you in for an interview, get a copy of their business card and send them an email that day reiterating how you would be a good fit for the job, enjoyed the interview, etc. Good luck!

I do know that over here it is mostly “Dont call us – we’ll call you!”. That means if you dont hear anything, well, this one is not meant for you then!

If you have their e-mail address, a tasteful e-card is a nice way to set yourself apart. You can also track when it’s opened which is always nice :)